Chapter 17 : Curse of Prodigy
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Sigh.
I watched as Danzo sat beside me, resting his cane against the tree. I don't know what's more messed up.
That Danzo sitting beside me or the fact I can't see me to be bothered he isn't sitting beside me?
Well, a point to me, by his admission, he did much worse things regarding me than sitting beside me.
After all, only he has the resources to kidnap me, heal me in full condition, and bring me back without a trace.
"So, do you mind explaining yourself, Danzo-san?"
Look at me, shaken enough to add -san to his name. I guess I don't want another messed up plan of him from being disrespectful.
"At least, you are respectful now," I am spot on about Danzo remembering that moment, but Danzo continued saying, "Let this be a lesson for not antagonizing those who you are not sure if they are enemies."
I felt my grip on kunai harden but controlled myself enough to answer in response, "Oh! Is that so? I must let you know that the Hokage-san likes you and masturbates to your name every late-night visit to the pizza shop."
Well, I thought we were trading bullshit, so I did him a solid one. But, a point to him, he didn't look phased at all.
He just looked at me with his sole eye. I did my best to avoid looking into his eye and ordered my AI to activate protocol 1.
[Protocol 1: Any kind of mind intrusion is to be alerted.
Personal note: If a mangekyou sharingan is present in any vision, immediately keep sending nonsense info to the brain until the host goes into a coma out of sheer Chakra consumed from the task.]
What can I say? It is the first thing I did when I fully awakened my past life self.
Still, I don't know what he found in my eyes, but the next thing I know, He is standing under the sun while I am still left staring at the empty spot he used to be sitting on.
Fucking overpowered old fuckers.
"Humour. You use it to get out of any situation you don't like."
I felt myself almost fucking slip into a murder rage, while he said, "Cursing, you do that when you can't control yourself. Both traits of yours are quite common in most people."
"Oh! So, you are an expert on me now. Go on, Danzo-san. I don't mind, please go on."
WHOOSH
Danzo seemed nonchalant at the fact I am body flickering to him with a kunai ready to stab. He continued with his talk. "You are hungry for power."
CLANG.
He used his cane to stop the attack, but I wondered if he could stop this. A chakra scalpel grew from kunai passing through the cane towards him.
CLANG
I watched in surprise as the wind chakra cut through my kunai while the cane itself grew into Danzo's chakra scalpel.
THUD
THUD
THUD
With a desperate back jump, I kept dodging on and on from the rapidly growing chakra scalpel, "You are doing so because you don't feel safe with your weak self."
At the last second, I had willed my Chakra scalpel to be solid by clashing with the Danzo's stabbing scalpel.
CRACKLE
"You are weak, and you know it. A self-awareness that is not found in many people. Sure, most people know they are weaker than the Kage or an Anbu, but none are aware of this weakness, not truly."
As messed up as this guy is, I can understand him.
I stopped and so did the Chakra scalpel in the same second just an inch from my eyes, but the transparent nature of it allowed me to see Danzo clearly as he said, "Combined with the talent you showed, I can say you are a good shinobi in making."
I caught his point directly, "So, you don't think I am a good shinobi now."
Danze just raised his single eyebrow and said, "No, you are a sliver of a good shinobi. But you weren't one before my test. But now you are."
I couldn't help but shout out, "All because I didn't want to graduate early and go into a mess of war. A war in which my participation combined with my age will have me a target and be killed brutally."
"Yes."
I don't know what to say for that answer.
Under the sound of gales passing through the night, he said again, "Yes, avoiding war is a sin for a shinobi."
"Fuck you, asshole. Just so you know, I am sure I can grow to be a Jonin on my own without the messed up killing grind to push myself."
BAAANNNNGGGGG
I watched with a clang from his cane, striking the ground. He was in front of me. I stubbornly looked back, knowing that he couldn't do anything to permanently me because I had the eye of the Hokage on me.
I know he can't do whatever he wants. Thank you for political power.
"There it is, the stupidity that Hiruzen allowed in you grows. All Because of his kind gesture to let you follow your wishes. A kindness that is the most crippling quality of yourself, just like him."
I watched as he forced me to look into his eyes. "You are feeling guilty for killing a man who sold himself like a show animal to kill others for money. Someone who tried to kill you for money. Money which you possess in abundance."
"He had a son who---"
"---No matter the reason, Yamaki did that knowing the consequences of his actions. But no, just not him. You are guilty of killing others, too. Know, you are a killer because you helped Yamaki Yamashiro to kill others in the bloodbath."
I shouted back, "You are the reason for that! You are the one who threw me into it. For what? So that you could prove a point to me now."
I saw him smirk while saying, "No, I wouldn't care about Yamaki, if he didn't turn traitor to leaf by allowing those flesh games in the land of fire, in exchange for profit. You are not the first leaf shinobi he met and used. Not everyone is as lucky as you."
"So, why me? You can send someone else if you want to bring him down."
He only said in a blunt reply, "Why waste resources? I need someone to kill him as an example while I investigate the chains behind the flesh games. What better way to do that than by testing you at the same time? Two throats for one kunai."
I don't know what to say about that. I know he is mind-manipulating me, but I am sure he is telling the truth. Because the best manipulation is the truth. The truth here is that he believes he made the right decision and that I am at fault for feeling bad for killing my attackers.
The worst thing is my logic agrees with him. Fuck, I am feeling tired from this. I can only ask in fucking exhaustion, "What do you want to test? Loyalty? Well, it may be a surprise for you Danzo, I have been in Leaf since the day I was born. My family may --"
"--have died because of Shinnosuke's negligence. Another example of a shinobi being ruled by emotions, but in Shinnosuke's case, it is love. In your case, it is kindness."
"For fuck's sake. Stop calling me kind every second. I wouldn't be this pissed if you called me a coward for not going to war."
CLANG
"There is nothing cowardly about you. You are striving for strength despite knowing how weak you are. Against all odds, you emerged from a blood bath alive despite being unprepared. You dared to involve yourself with the Hokage. Kid, you don't understand how many people, despite even knowing of his kind nature, dare not approach him just based on the sheer strength he possesses. No, it is not fear that stops you from war, kid. No, it is kindness. You don't want to kill."
I shook as he whispered into the air, "You don't want to kill. I could see it. Hiruzen can also see it. Even that kid Tanaka can see it clearly, that's why he doesn't want you to continue to be a combat shinobi."
I realize he might be right. Fuck, I am thinking Danzo is right. I couldn't help myself from asking, "So, you orchestrated my first murder. Do you know how messed up you are? Let me tell you, self-important jerk, it was useless. I would have done it when I would have joined the war, eventually."
"Then you would have missed the best period of growth."
"How many times do I have to listen to this? The so-called growth can be conducted in an academy preparation. There is no risk involved."
He snorted as he said, "Maybe you can. But I can bet on the fact that you that is forged in war will crush you and grow in peace in a few years. That is enough for me, and it is in the best interests of the leaf."
"Yeah, maybe. But I would also become a sorry asshole, like you, with multiple mental issues. Perhaps you don't know the so-called optimal age is given by your teacher. It means after this age, even if I took part in the war, by my death, I would have fully realized my potential, as long as I properly used my time for training in the time in the Academy. No risk of me dying, breaking, or missing."
He nodded at that. "Yes, he did. A perfect shinobi, he was. But he also said there are exceptions to his proposal. People who can adapt themself no matter what the world throws at them are prodigies. I threw you in a bloodbath. You came out of it stronger without being crushed."
Bullshit, does he think I am Naruto, Sasuke or Kakashi? I don't think I can lead a fucked up life like them. His teacher is not perfect. But, unfortunately, I can't shove this truth down his throat because I am far too weak than him.
"Good look. Now, you are much more malleable to become a better shinobi. I will ensure that. Don't expect the stupidity of depending on Hiruzen, he also was forged in death and blood like this. Though he might have kept his kindness, he is not a stupid man. He is a shinobi, and he is the Hokage. His interest would be Konoha. I will be there to remind him."
Danzo disappeared while leaving a single sentence, " Besides, I have no intention of depriving Konoha of the service of a useful weapon of a prodigy."
----Academy------
-------Time space ninjutsu: 1 year Time skip------
(ㆆ_ㆆ)
-------Guy's pov-----
BANG
BANG
BANG
BOOOOOM
I watched as the Wooden Stake broke into two, with one piece flying and landing in front of the examining Chunin.
I could hear Obito gulping as he looked at the broken stake that had withstood his fireball beforehand.
"Student Guy, pass."
I nodded at that and went back to my friends. I did my best to control my posture as the increase in training weights in this morning is becoming burdensome.
YOUTTTHHH
I still have my youth. I can grow my body as long as I break it properly and rebuild it with rest. It's the only way for me.
"HMPH, so much for that brute kick, I could do the same if I did his crazy exercises. I can do it even better."
So unyouthful. But I know it to be true. As much as he is the last of the class, Obito is frankly good at picking up things. He had an incredible talent, like everyone in my classroom. Normally shinobi stick to only one field for years before they go for the next field to improve. But kids in my class are so talented that they are trained in the basics of all fields with a heavy emphasis on their chosen fields.
A talent I don't have.
SIGH
Control yourself, Guy. Remember, this is an additional part of your training. You can't change your breathing pattern even while sighing. Always feed your body with air.
I did my best to feel the changing wind on my skin, and the silent sounds of the shinobi. I needed to train my senses through my body for every second to keep up with them.
SLASH
THUCK
I saw Asuma slashing 3 wooden stakes with ease with his knuckles. Youth guy. Be a youth. Watch every flaw in him, every opening. Remember, it is tough, but it's the only way.
He becomes arrogant, always searching for Kurenai-san to show off. He makes a mistake in his form because of that. I need to find flaws in the first look. My body is my only weapon. It is my past, present and future.
I felt my head throb from trying to do all these things.
YOUTTTHHHH
I need to do this. I can't stop. Not once. I voiced out, "YOUTHHH! I WILL PUNCH A 1000 TIMES MORE TODAY AND RUN AROUND KONOHA 100 TIMES."
I will do this instead, Guy. Keep in mind that the stares can be the motivation and force, but your goal is to transform those stares into ones of admiration and awe. The same stares that look at father as a Joke. The same stares that look at me as a Joke. I can't give up now. Not when I am close to having the same headband as my father.
"YOUTTHHHHH,"
"Seriously, Guy, you can be a little silent. I can't get enough sleep, you know."
I felt tired just from listening to his sleepy voice. My friend, Kyudo, he has been a mess since the last year. From Yuta's surgery, no, even before that he had been tired and had lost his bright drive. But after that day, it's like he stopped bothering to strive for his normal life.
It's like he changed. Just like Kakashi.
Flashes of my first meeting with him flashed through me.
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However, I must say a spandex-clad middle-aged uncle is not what I wanted to see on my Academy joining. Now, I had the distinct displeasure of knowing Duy's butt curves now.
Looking at Guy, who was behind me, knowing that he would one day surpass everyone in this village, made me feel impressed.
While reemerging my disappointment at being behind literal 5-year-olds, I shouted to Guy, remembering the anime scenes featuring him, "I will wait for you, Guy."
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It has been 4 years since then; he changed from the bright 5-year-old to this half withdrawn sleepy head. But I can see the new calluses on his palms, scars that appeared each day. Most importantly, his strength, I never saw him losing in this year, even once.
The only time I can push him is when I try to open the first gate, but I never win, despite being faster and stronger than him. Even that is fading away fast. Father tells me it is just him growing up and that his youth is collecting. Waiting for the day to burn bright again.
"Come on Kurenai. Crush him with your scary stab-stab jutsu."
A collective shiver went down everyone's spine at Kyudo's words.
Even Asuma took a step back from Kurenai.
That Genjutsu of Kurenai's is fucking scary, experiencing being stabbed all over is not a fun thing.
I couldn't help myself from saying, "So Unyouthful."
Kyudo just laughed by saying, "It is a good jutsu."
I observed Kurenai grow irritated at the comment.
I guess she took it the hardest as Kyudo climbed the strength ladder. He used to be her frequent sparring opponent, but now, the sensei hadn't even arranged a spar between them for 6 months.
-
-
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The special test ended with everyone doing their best to increase the overall score with their specialities.
Finally, the Graduation names were announced.
"Obito Uchiha,"
"Yeah, ho! Here I come for the Hokage seat."
"Mizuno Kuro."
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--
"Finally, the Kunoichi of the year - Anko Mitarashi."
"Who else do you think can be the best?"
I am sure she is pointing that question at Kyudo. But he just ignored her. Another change. Before, no matter how he tried, he used to get affected by her insults. But now, he just doesn't care.
"Th! Loser."
"Finally, we have the Rookie of the Year- "
I got to my feet, ready to clap and cheer. I can see Kyudo finally awake, concentrating on the announcement.
"- Asuma Sarutobi."
CLAP CLAP CLAP
Only Kyudo's claps rang in the hall, as everyone was surprised by the news. I mean, even without the special test, everyone was expecting Kyudo to bet the no.1. I still remember the days he would come to the pizza stall, covered in mud and blood after intense training. He was not blessed with the shinobi heritage like everyone else. A blank slate who rose with his efforts.
"Hey! What bullshit is this? And also stop clapping, you asshole, it is irritating."
Kyudo just stopped doing it, not using this chance to tease Asuma. Freaky.
I distinctly heard the Examiner saying, "Kyudo Kirito failed the theory exams and, hence, cannot graduate."
""""""HUH"""""'
That is so unyouthful. I mean, we are talking about Kyudo, who fills pages and pages with hypotheses and reports about everything.
Kyudo just shrugged and said as if speaking to someone else while using us as a messenger, "The weak have their ways of fighting back. They have their tantrums and pride. Most importantly, I can also remind the old man that he is the Hokage, and He is the damn symbol of Will of fire."
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Author's note: I am getting a lot of feedback on the last part. It is just Mc trash-talking. The true reason will be revealed in the next chapter.